A community is rallying to buy a “neglected” High Wycombe pub that has been put up for sale, fearing it could be turned into “yet another” convenience store.

Campaigners who are fighting to save The Beaconsfield Arms on Hughenden Road – affectionately known as The Becky by regulars - say it is under threat after it was put up for sale for £450,000 by current owners Greene King.

Fearing it could be lost for good, the Save the Becky Arms Pub committee was set up to list the pub as a community asset and they are now trying to raise money to buy the freehold so it can continue in its current form.

A statement from the committee said: “[It] is the last remaining real pub in the immediate area with the Downley Donkey and The Masters already having been changed to other developments. This means that residents cannot socialise in their own community and have to travel to one of the town centre pubs, which generally cater for students or specialise in the craft beer market, not suited to many of the local community.”

The committee agreed the pub has been “beset by problems” and blamed “poor management and a general lack of interest” by various different companies, but said the community are driven to make it successful once again.

The statement continued: “Customers are returning and the future is looking positive for this loved but neglected boozer. There are many who used to frequent The Becky and have very fond memories of the pub.”

Residents who want to save the pub are now being encouraged to visit the pub and pledge to “buy a brick” or a wall and discuss the community purchase.

If the purchase is successful, the pub will be held as a community asset on trust, with an aim to continue as a community venue where local groups can visit and join in with different social activities as well as hosting their own.

A spokesperson for Greene King confirmed the pub had been put up sale but reminded residents the pub is still open for business.

They said: “As a leading pub operator and brewer, we are committed to running high quality community pubs. To be able to continue to invest in our estate, from time to time we have to make the difficult decision to sell a pub.

“After much consideration, we decided to put The Beaconsfield Arms on the market. No decision has yet been made on a sale and in the meantime the pub remains open for business and continues to serve customers.”